HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: From MVP candidate to grenade. This is the plight of power forward Elton Brand.

Not long ago, Brand was the straw that stirred the drink for a promising Los Angeles Clippers squad. Then he injured his Achilles. And, despite missing an entire season, managed to get a maximum contract from the Philadelphia 76ers.

From day one, this was a poor match. The 76ers like to run. Brand prefers a slower, half-court game.

There was little interest in a broken down Brand and his big ticket. So the cellar-dwelling 76ers have resorted to packaging him with the marketable Andrew Iguodala.

Bottom line: if a team wants ‘Iggy’ they have to take Brand.

There are two problems with this strategy. First, few teams have the cap space and resources to assume Brand and Iguodala’s combined salary of $26 million. Those that do aren’t interested.

Second, Brand and Iguodala's hefty price tag means the 76ers would surely have to take back a problem contract in a trade. The rebuilding 76ers need young assets, expiring contracts, and draft picks to pair with Evan Turner. They don’t need a frustrated, overpaid veteran to lead the kids astray.

There's no easy way for the 76ers to free themselves of Brand.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Another Western Conference exec uses the word “redundancy” to describe the Turner-Iguodala pairing, since both layers need the ball in their hands to be effective. “There’s not enough floor space for the two of them,” he says. The selection of Turner “might lead them to do commit to trading Iguodala,” he says. Now, that’s an idea.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Two years ago, the Philadelphia 76ers pulled in free agent Elton Brand with a max' deal and re-signed Andre Iguodala. This inside-outside duo was supposed to change the fortunes of the mediocre 76ers, helping this classic franchise consistently qualify for the playoffs.

Clearly, the plan has failed. And management is now looking to cut costs and clean house.

However, this will be easier said than done.

After all, Brand is unmovable because of his poor play, questionable health, and big ticket salary. New coach Doug Collins has no choice but to help the former 20-10 post rediscover his past form.

So the 76ers are considering drafting athletic swing Evan Turner and trading their current pogo-stick, three-man in Iguodala. Unfortunately, there isn’t much of a market for Iggy, either.

While Iguodala is a good player, he has four years and $55 million remaining on his contract. Few teams, if any, want such a massive financial commitment on their books, especially in a down economy and with the Collective Bargaining Agreement about to change.

Regardless of who they draft, the 76ers are likely stuck with Brand and Iguodala. These two will become Philadelphia fixtures like the Rocky statue and Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

Only the people of Philadelphia won't see them in quite the same light.

"Doug Collins has always said Philadelphiais a ''special place'' for him. Now we know how special. The former 76ers star, according to an NBAsource with knowledge of the situation, has agreed to terms to coach them. An announcement is expected Friday, and a formal introduction is likely to come Monday.

HoopsVibe's Call: It's an interesting choice -leaving the comfort of the broadcast booth for a talented but dysfunctional Philadephia squad.

Still, Collins, one of the game's greatest television analysts, could have success with the 76ers if he can achieve four things:

1) Solidify the point guard spot. Andre Miller, hate him or love him, is a decent table-setter and his steady, consistent play was perfect for the young 76ers. The front office never replaced Miller after he left in July of 2009; however, Jrue Holiday should develop into a full time starter.

2) Get something from Elton Brand or get rid of him and his salary. Collins needs the burly post, who is earning max money, to produce like he did with the Los Angeles Clippers.

3) Challenge Andre Iguodala to become a star and then hold him accountable. With his athleticism, the lanky swing should be a far better player, especailly on the defensive end.

4) Rally the troops. Too often, the 76ers seemed fractured, so Collings must get them to play for each other.